- 2016 Highlights
Personal Statement
I have always dreamed of playing college basketball ever since I can remember. I believe that I can make a positive and significant impact on the athletic program and in the classroom. I have put in a lot of extra time on and off the court to achieve this dream. I take pride in being focused and determined on the court in both practice and the games. I believe in being the first to get there and the last to leave. I give my full effort when I'm on the court and I'm constantly communicating with my teammates throughout a game or practice with encouragement and support. I believe I bring a strong work ethic and moral character to any team as well as a great respect for the coaches and coaching staff. I have gotten to known the janitors at my high school very well as I'm there late into the evening and on weekends and holidays, always trying to get better, always trying to reach my potential and help the team succeed.
I enjoy learning and look forward to shaping my future with a good basketball program, good school and someday graduating and imparting that knowledge, along with my ethics and morals, in my daily life. Hopefully, I will continue to guide others while making contributions along the way. Athletically, I have been involved competitively in basketball and football since I was 7 years old. I have played on 2 NJB All-Net National Champion teams (2009, 2011). I have been part of a winning tradition since a very young age and it helped me gain valuable insight and knowledge. Since I have been in High School, I have been an intergral part of 4 C.I.F. Central Section Championship teams (basketball and football) including one State Championship. I have also been involved locally in the Hanford community by volunteering with the local Kiwanis, as a basketball coach working with K-2nd grade kids, Hanford Youth Football, the Kings County Public Health Department, Kings County Environmental Health, and the California Coastal Commission. All of the volunteer work that I do is important to me because I see it not only as paying forward but also as an important contribution to kids younger than me to teach them what it means to be a good guy by striving to live a good life of athletics, ethics and morals. Probably what sets me apart from other candidates is that by being a captain on my basketball and football teams since I was young has taught me to be like a teacher, guiding teammates and offering solutions to any problems or questions they have on the court. I believe this is contagious and promotes a healthy positive atmosphere within the program and with my teammates wherever I have played. Also, as a coach's son, I have learned a lot watching him be a father figure to all of us and also have had some opportunities for some great insight to learn even more that I can translate to myself and my teammates on the court. I lead by example and feel my positive manner allows for positive spiritual growth. And just as importantly, I believe I bring any program I represent, a positive and lasting light.
Cole J. Taber
Hanford HS 2016
